vintage sun bike id

[davy_boy2004]

Hi new here and looking for some help. My girlfriend has recently got a bike from an old family friend who was clearing out.
The bike in question is a sun cycle and fitting co birmingham, frame has the sun decal painted on the down tube and on the chain guard.
It has rod brakes and bolted rear stays and has a single speed free wheeling hub. looking around on the web and the closest match i can find is the "sun" frame bike as seen here http://www.oldbike.eu/suncyclefittings/?page_id=13 the newer bikes from the 30's appear to have welded/fixed rear stays.
It has a brooks lady b2 saddle which i cant find out much about and it doesnt have any numbers on the leather or frame underneath. there is one number stamped on the frame below the seat post which is UP4676. i have uploaded pics here https://www.flickr.com/photos/93674750@ ... 1286013563
Anybody have any info on the manufacturer or possible era of the bike ?.
looking to restore it for my partner as she has always wanted an old style bike.

 

[keithglos]

In the 1930s both Sun and Carlton produced a standard range of roadster type bikes, using mainly standard components. They might have made the frames.
There was a far larger market for commuter bikes than the enthusiast types.

Keith

 

[davy_boy2004]

Re:

that sounds reasonable my father had guessed 30/40's era i have never came across anything this age before and its fascinating looking through info about them

 

[bagpuss]

Re:

Info here/
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Sun_Cycle_and_Fittings_Co

More .
https://oldbike.wordpress.com/1956-f-c- ... s-bicycle/

 

[OldTel]

Re:

Hi, the serial number points to 1953 ( the 'U' is the year ), Sun and most of the other manufacturers did keep building these commuter bikes after the war as they were cheap, and robust. I've attached a page from the 1952 catalog which looks thereabouts. i restored an old ladies Humber of a similar age last year, and they are still a valid mode of transport, a bit leisurely, but a nice ride. Terry

 

[davy_boy2004]

Re:

Thanks terry
Thats great info and the brochure is near identical to the model i have. How do the serial numbers work i had googled but couldn't find any info on sun bike numbers.
Do u have anymore brochures like that available or know of an online source ?
Thanks

 

[stevevw]

davy fill your boots http://www.veterancycleclublibrary.org. ... n&items=96

I have a verified 1935 gents Sun which has the same headset, head badge and "The Sun" as yours on the down tube. But as Tel says they probably built these after the war too, I did notice in the 50's catalogue the head badge appears to be a transfer.

Lovely bike whatever year it is.

 

[OldTel]

Re:

Hi, the year is worked out with the first digit on bikes between 1935 ( Sun went bankrupt in 34 ) and 1959/60 when they transitioned into the Raleigh empire ( sun serial numbers get difficult after that ) . I've attached a guide, the second and sometimes third digit points to the workshop and model ( i.e. w - wasp ), the head badges or decals, I suppose would be a random affair, due to supply difficulties after the war. I hope this helps. Terry

 

[davy_boy2004]

Re:

Thanks guys amazing what knowledge is out there.
Looking through the old brochures its definitely looking like a 1953 lady's tourist roadster model.
Looking forward to giving it some tlc in the coming months and getting it roadworthy again.